Network Types - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.2

Summary

This script explores various network types, emphasizing the differences between peer-to-peer and client-server models. It covers local area networks (LAN), including wireless (WLAN), and expands to metropolitan (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN). The script also touches on personal area networks (PAN), campus area networks (CAN), and the evolution of WAN technologies like MPLS and SDWAN. It highlights the shift from traditional data centers to cloud-based services and the role of SDWAN in optimizing network efficiency for direct cloud access.

Takeaways

• 🌐 **Peer-to-Peer Networks**: Devices act as both servers and clients, facilitating direct communication without a central server.
• 🛠️ **P2P Challenges**: Peer-to-peer networks are difficult to administer and secure due to their distributed nature.
• 💼 **Client-Server Model**: Offers centralized control and easier administration, but requires additional hardware and maintenance.
• 🏢 **Local Area Networks (LAN)**: Fast and local, typically within a single building, using technologies like 802.11 and Ethernet.
• 🌆 **Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)**: Larger than LANs, covering a citywide area, often provided by third parties.
• 🌏 **Wide Area Networks (WAN)**: Span larger distances, often slower than LANs, and can use technologies like MPLS or satellite communication.
• 📡 **Wireless LANs (WLAN)**: Local and limited geographically, often using 802.11 networks, but can be extended with access points.
• 🎧 **Personal Area Networks (PAN)**: Smallest networks for personal use, typically using Bluetooth for connections.
• 🏫 **Campus Area Networks (CAN)**: Connect multiple buildings within a campus, often using private LAN technology.
• 💾 **Network Attached Storage (NAS)**: Provides file-level access to data stored in a central location.
• 🔄 **Storage Area Networks (SAN)**: Allows block-level access to data, offering faster and more efficient data management compared to NAS.

Q & A

What is a peer-to-peer network?

A peer-to-peer network is a distributed network where each device acts as both a server and a client, communicating directly with each other to share resources and data without the need for a centralized server.

What are the advantages of using a peer-to-peer network?

Peer-to-peer networks are easy to deploy since they don't require a dedicated server, and they have low implementation costs as they utilize existing systems. They also allow for direct communication among devices.

What is a significant disadvantage of peer-to-peer networks?

A significant disadvantage of peer-to-peer networks is the difficulty in administration and ensuring security due to the distributed nature of the application and authentication processes.

How does client-server communication differ from peer-to-peer networks?

In client-server communication, there is a clear separation of responsibilities where individual clients communicate with a centralized server, which manages and maintains the connection and data access. This setup allows for easier administration and performance management.

What is a local area network (LAN) and what are its characteristics?

A local area network (LAN) is a network confined to a relatively small area such as a building or a single floor, characterized by high-speed data transfer using technologies like 802.11 wireless networks and Ethernet.

What is a metropolitan area network (MAN) and how does it differ from a LAN?

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a larger network that covers an entire city or a large part of it, often provided by a third-party provider. It differs from a LAN by covering a much larger geographical area and typically serving multiple organizations or government entities.

What is a wide area network (WAN) and how does it compare to LANs in terms of speed?

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a broad area and often includes the internet. Compared to LANs, WANs tend to have slower throughput because they cover larger distances and may use various transmission media.

What is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)?

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a LAN that uses wireless communication to connect devices within a limited geographical area, typically employing 802.11 standards.

What is a Personal Area Network (PAN) and what technologies are commonly used in it?

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer and other devices that are in close proximity to a person, typically within 10 meters. Technologies like Bluetooth are commonly used in PANs.

What is a Campus Area Network (CAN) and how does it function?

A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a network that covers multiple buildings within a limited area, such as a university or corporate campus. It allows high-speed communication between buildings, often using local area network technologies.

What is Network Attached Storage (NAS) and how does it differ from Storage Area Networks (SAN)?

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated file-level storage device that allows multiple users and systems to store and access data. It differs from Storage Area Networks (SAN) in that NAS provides file-level access, whereas SANs offer block-level access, allowing more efficient data management and transfer.

What is Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and how does it improve WAN communication?

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a WAN communication protocol that uses labels to route and forward traffic efficiently. It allows for the use of various types of connections and data, making it flexible and efficient for data transfer across a wide area network.

What is Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and how does it benefit cloud-based applications?

Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a WAN architecture that uses software to manage and define how network traffic is routed. It is particularly beneficial for cloud-based applications as it allows direct communication with cloud resources, bypassing the need to go through a central data center, thus improving efficiency and access speed.